Kentucky, Gonzaga discontinue basketball series amid report of new blue-blood laden ‘Diamond Cup’

A non-conference series between two of college basketball’s best programs is no more.

Kentucky and Gonzaga announced in a joint statement Wednesday that they are discontinuing their annual series with two games remaining on their contract.

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Shortly after the programs’ announcement, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reported that a new preseason showcase dubbed the “Diamond Cup” is in discussions and that it would feature Gonazga and Kentucky alongside six other high-profile programs.

Per the report, North Carolina, Kansas, UConn, Indiana, Michigan and Arizona would also participate.

According to the report, the showcase has not been agreed upon and a format has not been set, but the eight schools are “involved in deep discussions.” If formalized, the showcase could start as early as 2027-28. This could help explain Kentucky’s and Gonzaga’s decision to cancel the remaining home-and-home set of their series.

Kentucky was scheduled to host Gonzaga in 2026-27, and Gonzaga was scheduled to host the matchup in 2027-28. Those games will not take place.

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The Wildcats and Bulldogs have played each other in each of the past four seasons with Gonzaga going 3-1 in those matchups. Gonzaga beat Kentucky 94-59 in December in Nashville.

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Per a statement provided to media, the programs mutually agreed to the early termination of the agreement “to allow each program freedom to re-evaluate future scheduling priorities, including conference obligations and nonconference opportunities.”

Kentucky plays an 18-game schedule in the SEC. Gonzaga, meanwhile, is leaving its longtime WCC conference home for the newly formed nine-team Pac-12 starting next season. Assuming a home-and-home series of conference games, that adds up to 16 conference games for Gonzaga next season.

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The Gonzaga-Kentucky series was originally agreed upon by Gonzaga head coach Mark Few…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/kentucky-gonzaga-discontinue-basketball-series-amid-report-of-new-blue-blood-laden-diamond-cup-201048256.html

Author : Jason Owens

Publish date : 2026-05-20 20:10:00

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